Mobile power system

ABSTRACT

A mobile power system for producing power at a desired location includes a first power generating device of a first type coupled to a transportable housing, and a second power generating device of a second type coupled to the transportable housing. The first type of power generating device is different than the second type of power generating device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mobile power system may provide easy access to different types of power outputs. Further, the housing may have the approximate size of a standard freight container.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,819, filedSep. 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,819, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/410,300, filed Sep. 13, 2002, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to power systems, and more particularlyto mobile, self contained, power systems.

BACKGROUND

While electric power from traditional electrical power grids is readilyavailable in many locations throughout the world, there remain vastregions where no electric power is available. Even in locations whereelectric power is available, there is a variety of situations where asupplemental or substitute power source would be desirable.

Solar and wind power generation systems are known and may be applied inmany different applications. Traditional solar and wind power generationsystems, however, have several shortcomings. For example, these systemsgenerally have not been standardized. As a result, they must be custombuilt for each particular application and/or at each desired site, whichmakes these systems expensive. Custom built solar and wind power systemstypically require days to assemble or disassemble. Further, traditionalsolar and wind power systems are not modular. Specifically, once aparticular solar or wind power generator system has been designed andmanufactured to include a certain number of power generating devices(such as photovoltaic or wind turbine devices), additional devices maynot be added to the system without significant difficulty including, forexample redesign and modification of the power system and/or redesignand modification of the power generation system site.

Additionally, conventional power generating systems generally are notdesigned for efficient transportation to a desired location, and aredifficult to disassemble and remove once they have been constructed atthe desired location. Many power generating systems are transported in apiecemeal fashion from a number of different manufactures or retailers.The components are then assembled and coupled to preexisting housingstructures or to specialized housing structures constructed at thedesired location of the power generating system.

Conventional power generation systems also do not provide adequateversatility for receiving power from different types of power generatingdevices, and for supplying power to a variety of different powerreceiving devices requiring different types electrical supply. Manypower generation systems are designed with a single type of powergenerating device (such as diesel powered or wind powered generator)supplying power directly to one or more power receiving device.Accordingly, interchanging power receiving devices from the powergenerating device is difficult or impossible in existing powergenerating systems.

The present invention provides a power generating system that avoidssome or all of the aforesaid shortcomings in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method of producingand delivering power at a desired location includes coupling a firstpower generating device of a first type to a transportable housing, andcoupling a second power generating device of a second type to thetransportable housing, wherein the first type of power generating deviceis different than the second type of power generating device. The methodfurther includes receiving power from at least one of the first andsecond power generating devices within the transportable housing, andproviding access to the received power in a plurality of differentelectrical configurations.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofproducing power at a desired location includes coupling a first powergenerating device of a first type to a transportable housing, andcoupling a second power generating device of a second type to thetransportable housing, wherein the first type of power generating deviceis different than the second type of power generating device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, atransportable power station includes a transportable housing and aplurality of coupling elements secured to the housing and configured toallow for the attaching of more than one type of power generating deviceto the housing.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method oftransporting and assembling a power station includes storing at leastone power generating device within a housing and transporting thehousing to a desired location. The method further includes removing theat least one power generating device from the housing, and coupling theat least one power generating device to an outer surface of the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a transportablepower station includes a transportable housing; and at least one powergenerating device removably coupled from an operational position on anoutside surface of the housing and sized to fit completely within thetransportable housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing a transportable power station includes adapting a housingto removably receive at least one power generating device thereon, thehousing having a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall, a length ofapproximately 20 feet, a width of approximately 8 feet, and a height ofapproximately 8.5 feet or less, and an interior space capable for use asa human shelter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a transportablepower station includes a transportable housing having the approximatesize of a standard ISO freight container, and at least one powergenerating device coupled to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile power system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the housing of the mobile powersystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the housing of the mobilepower system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top mounted end bracket according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top mounted side bracket according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom mounted side bracket according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a solar panel array according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the solar panel array ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an adjustable strut assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a foot member according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a pole assembly according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an assembly view of portions of the mobile powersystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 illustrates an end view of a mobile power system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of a further mobile power systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A illustrates a connection member of a mobile power systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates an assembly view of a pole assembly of the mobilepower system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 illustrates a pole coupling assembly according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates top view of a mobile power systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates interior components of the housing ofthe mobile power system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a control panel of the mobile power system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings. Wherever possible,the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to referto the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile power system 10 according to the presentdisclosure. The mobile power system 10 may include a housing 12 and oneor more brackets 14 coupled to the housing 12. Solar powered generatingdevices 16 in the form of solar panel arrays 18 may be coupled at oneend to respective brackets 14 and at another end to adjustable strutassemblies 20. The adjustable strut assemblies may also be coupled to arespective bracket 14, or may extend to the ground adjacent the housing12. Further, one or more pole assemblies 22 may be mounted vertically toa corner or corners of the housing 12 for supporting, for example, awind powered generating device 24, or antenna or lights.

The housing 12 of the mobile power system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2prior to assembly of the mobile power system 10. The housing 12 mayinclude an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standardfreight or shipping container. For example, the housing 12 may includean ISO Series 1 General Cargo Container having a rectangular shape and alength (L) of approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters), a width (W) ofapproximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), and a height (H) of approximately 8feet, 6 inches (2.6 meters) or less. Such standard ISO containers arewidely used in the shipping industry for transporting items by ship,rail, airplane, or truck. Alternative standard ISO freight containersmay include containers having a length (L) of approximately 40 feet(12.2 meters), a width (W) of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), and aheight (H) in the range of approximately 9 feet, 6 inches (2.9 meters)to less than 8 feet (2.4 meters); a length (L) of approximately 30 feet(9.1 meters), a width (W) of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), and aheight (H) in the range of approximately 9 feet, 6 inches (2.9 meters)to less than 8 feet (2.4 meters); a length (L) of approximately 10 feet(6.1 meters), a width (W) of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), and aheight (H) in the range of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters) or less.

The housing 12 may include a door or doors 26 for allowing access to theinterior compartment of the housing 12. Further, housing 12 in the formof a standard ISO container may include thick support pillars 28arranged vertically at each corner of the housing 12. Support pillars 28provide structural integrity for the housing 12, allow the containers tobe stacked and easily moved, and serve as convenient attachment pointsfor various components of the mobile power system 10.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one particularly-sized housing 12, thehousing 12 of the mobile power system 10 may have any of a plurality ofdifferent sizes and shapes, or be formed of a different size of standardISO freight container. As will be further discussed below, according toone exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 12should be of a sufficient size to allow for all of the exterior andinterior components of the mobile power system 10 to be stored withinthe interior compartment of the housing 12. The exterior components ofthe mobile power system 10 may include, but are not limited to, thebrackets 14, solar powered generating devices 16, adjustable strutassemblies 20, pole assemblies 22, and wind powered generating devices24. Further according to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 12 shouldbe of a sufficient size to allow the housing 12 to be used as a humanshelter, such as an emergency operations center, medical facility,office, or dwelling. Additionally, the housing 12 may be a non-standard,custom-sized housing.

FIG. 3 illustrates the housing 12 with brackets 14 mounted thereon.Brackets 14 may include one or more top mounted end brackets 30, one ormore top mounted side brackets 32, and one or more bottom mounted sidebrackets 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12 may include a single topmounted end bracket 30 located at each end of the housing 12 at ajunction between a top surface 36 and an end surface 37 of the housing12. The housing may also include two top mounted side brackets 32attached to each side of the housing 12 at a junction between the topsurface 36 and a side surface 38 of the housing 12. Further, the housing12 may include two bottom mounted side brackets 34 mounted on each sideof the housing 12 on the side surfaces 38 adjacent a bottom surface 40of the housing. The brackets 14 are removably coupled to the housing 12,by way of, for example, bolt connections extending through the brackets14 and into appropriately located passages 39 (FIG. 2) in the housing12. It is understood that the brackets 14 may be coupled to the housingin any conventional manner, and may form a removable or permanentconnection.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate exemplary configurations for the brackets 14. Thetop mounted end bracket 30 is illustrated in FIG. 4A and may include abase portion 42 forming a 90 degree bend. The 90 degree bend allows formating engagement with the junction of the top surface 36 and endsurface 37 of the housing 12. One or more passages 44 may extend throughthe base portion 42, the passages 44 being sized to receive the boltconnections for securing the top mounted end bracket 30 to the housing12. The top mounted end bracket 30 may also include a series ofconnectors 46 located on a side of the base portion 42 opposite the 90degree bend. Connectors 46 may include a pair of flanges 48 extendingperpendicular to the base portion 42. One or more flange passages 50 mayextend through each of the flanges 48. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, thetop mounted end bracket 30 includes two flange passages 50 extendingthrough each flange 48. As will be discussed in more detail below,connectors 46 are configured to receive mating connectors of the solarpanel array 18. It is understood that the top mounted end bracket 30could be formed in alternative sizes and shapes, and could include moreor less connectors 46.

The exemplary top mounted side bracket 32 illustrated in FIG. 4Bincludes the same components described above with respect to the topmounted end bracket 30. The base portion 52 of the top mounted sidebracket 32, however, is longer than the base portion 42 of the topmounted end bracket 30. The longer base portion 52 allows for theinclusion of a greater number of connectors 46. As illustrated in FIG.4B, top mounted side bracket 32 may include four connectors 46.

The exemplary bottom mounted side bracket 34 illustrated in FIG. 4C issimilar to the above described top mounted side bracket 32, except thatthe connectors 54 include flanges 56 having only a single passage 58,and the connectors 54 are located within the 90 degree bend formed bythe base portion 59. The orientation of the 90 degree bend allows thebottom mounted side bracket 34 to be coupled against a bottom flange 62(FIG. 2) of the housing 12. Again, it is noted that the top mounted endbrackets 30, the top mounted side brackets 32, and the bottom mountedside brackets 34 may be formed in a variety of different shapes andsizes other than those illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C while providing asecure connection between housing 12 and a component of the mobile powersystem 10 coupled to the connectors 46, 54.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary solar panel array 18 ofthe solar powered generating device 16 (FIG. 1) of the mobile powersystem 10. The solar panel array 18 may include a plurality ofphotovoltaic devices 64 of any conventional configuration for convertingsolar energy to electrical energy. The photovoltaic devices 64 may beformed in any conventional shape, such as the flat, rectangular solarpanel shape illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Further, a support frame 66may be included around the edges of each of the photovoltaic devices 64.

A plurality of the photovoltaic devices 64 may be coupled together inany conventional manner to form the solar panel array 18. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 5, the support frames 66 of three photovoltaicdevices 64 may be fastened together in any conventional manner, forexample, by a welded or bolted connection. Alternatively, the solarpanel array 18 may be formed by individual insertion of the photovoltaicdevices 64 (framed or unframed) into a structure forming a boundary ofthe solar panel array 18. Additionally, any number of reinforcingmembers 67 may extend across the photovoltaic devices 64 to increase theload bearing characteristics of the solar panel array 18.

Appropriate electrical connections are provided for electricallycoupling the photovoltaic devices 64 together and allowing for theconnection thereto of a unitary power output cord for an input to thehousing 12. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the threephotovoltaic devices 64 may be hardwired together through electricallines 69 so that the solar panel array 18 includes a single electricalcoupling member 71, such as a female connector, configured to receive amating electrical coupling member (not shown) of a power output cordconnected between the solar panel array 18 and the housing 12.Alternatively, each photovoltaic device 64 of the solar panel array 18may include its own power output cord connecting to the housing 12. Thepower output cord(s) extending from the each of the solar panel arrays18 may be combined together at one or more connection boxes 73 (FIG. 16)coupled to an exterior surface of the housing 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more support members 68 may be coupledto a bottom surface 70 of the solar panel array 18. The support members68 may be removably or permanently coupled to the bottom surface 70 inany conventional manner. Further, support members 68 may themselves formthe coupling component connecting the photovoltaic devices 64. Thesupport member 68 may be configured as a “C” shaped beam having endportions 72 extending beyond the ends of the outer located photovoltaicdevices 64. One or more passages 74 may extend through the end portions72 of each support member 68. As will be described in more detail below,the passages 74 of the support members 68 assist in coupling the solarpanel array 18 to the connectors 46, 54 of the brackets 14 (FIGS.4A-4C).

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary adjustable strut assembly 20 of themobile power system 10. The adjustable strut assembly 20 may include aninner tubular member 76 and an outer receiving member 78. Outerreceiving member may have a square cross-section shape and an open end79 for receiving an end of the inner tubular member 76 so as to allowfor telescoping movement between the elements. Adjustment passages 80may be formed in each of the inner tubular member 76 and the outerreceiving member 78 so that a pin member 82 can be inserted into theadjustment passages 80 to secure the inner tubular member 76 to theouter receiving member 78, and thereby fix the adjustable strut assembly20 at a desired length.

The inner tubular member 76 of the adjustable strut assembly 20 furtherincludes an end portion 84 having one or more coupling arms 86. Each ofthe coupling arms 86 may include at least one coupling passage 88. Theouter receiving member 78 also includes an end portion 90 having one ormore coupling arms 92. As with the inner tubular member 76, the couplingarms 92 of the outer receiving member 78 each include at least onepassage 94 extending therethrough. As will be described in more detailbelow, coupling arms 86 and 92 may assist in connecting the solar panelarray 18 to the brackets 14, or to a foot member 96 to be describedbelow (FIG. 1 and FIG. 8).

It is understood that the adjustable strut assembly 20 may be formed inmany alternative configurations. For example, outer receiving member 78may be formed as a tubular member, or inner tubular member 76 may beformed with a square cross-section shape. Further, inner tubular member76 and outer receiving member 78 may provide for an adjustable lengthwith a structure other than the telescoping connection with pin member82. The adjustable strut assembly, like many of the components of themobile power system, may be made from various materials, including, forexample, steel or other metals, carbon fiber, structural polymers,and/or pultrusion materials.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the foot member 96 of themobile power system 10. Foot member 96 may include a disc shaped baseportion 98 having a “C” shaped flange 100 extending normal to the baseportion 98. Flange 100 may be pivotably connected to a foot connector102 by way of a bolt connection 104 extending through the flange 100 andfoot connector 102. Foot connector 102 may include one or more arms 106forming a pin connection 108 for coupling with an end portion 84, 90 ofthe adjustable strut assembly 20. It is understood that the shape ofbase portion 98 may be other than circular, that the flange 100 and footconnector 102 may be connected by alternative pivotable connections,such as a ball and socket connection, and that foot connector 102 mayuse a connection configuration other than the pin connection 108.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary vertical pole assembly 22 of the mobilepower system 10. Pole assembly 22 may be a hollow cylindrical memberhaving a length approximately equal to the height (H) of the housing 12(FIG. 2). Pole connection assemblies 110, 112 may be included on thepole assembly 22 for connecting the pole assembly 22 to the housing 12.Pole connection assemblies 110, 112 may include a rotatable cam member114 for insertion into, and locking against, corresponding passagesformed in the housing 12. Pole assembly 22 may also include handlemembers 116, equipment mounts 113 having bolt holes extendingtherethrough, and one or more eyebolt connectors 118 located a variouspositions along the pole assembly 22. Further, pole assembly 22 mayinclude an open top end portion 120 adapted for directly receiving apole extension 129 (FIG. 1) and wind powered generating device 24, oralternative components, or for receiving a pivot connector 121 (FIG. 13)configured to assist in coupling a pole extension 129 and wind poweredgenerating device 24, or alternative components, to the pole assembly22. Alternative components that may be coupled to the end portion 120 ofthe pole assembly include, for example, telecommunications equipment,speakers, lights, radar, flagpoles, video equipment, extension poles,and/or electrical or cable television equipment.

Assembly of the above described components to the housing 12 of themobile power system 10 will now be described. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, interior and exteriorcomponents of the mobile power system may all be stored within thehousing 12 during transport of the mobile power system 10 to a desiredlocation.

As noted above, housing 12 may be in the form of a standard ISO freightcontainer. Using a standard ISO freight container as the housing 12 ofthe mobile power system 10 provides many benefits. For example, using astandard ISO freight container provides access to the numerous worldwidetransportation systems that are designed to facilitate movement of suchstandard containers throughout the world. When it is moving through thetransportation systems it can serve as a stealth biohazard or otherdetection station, detecting biohazards or other hazards in the othercontainers around it. This is done by having all or most of its powersupplies, communications systems and detection devices contained withinthe housing so that they can perform this role unnoticed and undetected.Additionally, the use of a standard ISO freight container for thehousing 12 provides a sturdy, protective structure for storage of theinterior and exterior components of the mobile power system 10 duringtransportation. In addition, the housing 12 protects interiorcomponents, equipment, and humans from the environment once the mobilepower system 10 has been delivered to a desired location. Further, thesize and weight of the standard ISO freight container protects againstunintended movement of the housing 12, be it by weather forces or humaninfluence. Finally, the sturdy, secure construction of a standard ISOfreight container provides protection against vandalism and theft ofinterior components of the mobile power system 10.

In order to take advantage of the numerous benefits of using a standardISO freight container as the housing 12 of the mobile power system 10,it is understood that the container should be designed to allow forrapid assembly and disassembly of the exterior components to and fromthe housing 12, while not altering or modifying the housing 12 so thatit no longer conforms to the appropriate standards for shipping.Accordingly, housing 12 may be configured to allow for a shippingcondition where all of the exterior components are removed from thehousing 12. For example, housing 12 may include a number of holes orpassages (e.g. passages 39 (FIG. 2)) for assisting in connecting theexterior components to the housing 12, and otherwise does not includeany other additional components when in the shipping condition. One ormore of the passages formed in housing 12 may include rivnut connectors,and/or may include removable caps or covers covering the passages duringtransportation of the mobile power system.

FIG. 10 illustrates the assembly of two solar panel arrays 18 to thehousing 12 of the mobile power system 10. Once the housing 12 has beendelivered and secured at the desired location, the brackets 14,preassembled solar panel arrays 18, adjustable strut assemblies 20, andvarious connectors are removed from the interior compartment 124 of thehousing 12. First, the top mounted side bracket 32 and bottom mountedside bracket 34 are coupled to the housing 12. As noted above, this maybe achieved by bolt connections (not shown) extending though brackets32, 34 and into holes 39 in the housing 12.

With the brackets 32, 34 secured to the housing 12, one end of solarpanel arrays 18 may be coupled to the top mounted side bracket 32. Thisconnection may include coupling one end of support member 68 of thesolar panel array 18 to the flanges 48 of the top mounted side bracket32. In particular, the passages 74 extending through the support member68 may be aligned with the passages 50 of the flanges 48 and secured byplacement of a locking pin 126 through the aligned passages 74 and 50.Such a connection allows the solar panel array 18 to pivot with respectto the housing 12.

Next, adjustable strut assembly 20 is coupled to the housing 12 and tothe uncoupled end of the solar panel assembly 18. With respect to theside solar panel array 18 illustrated in FIG. 10, this coupling isachieved by connecting the coupling arms 92 of the outer receivingmember 78 to the flanges 56 of the bottom mounted side bracket 34 by wayof locking pin 126. Further, coupling arms 86 of inner tubular member 76are coupled to support member 68, again by way of a locking pin 126 andpassages 74 of support member 68. The length of the adjustable strutassemblies 20 may be selected and fixed by way of pin member 82, so asto adjust the angle at which the solar panel array 18 extends from thehousing 12. Once the solar panel arrays 18 are mechanically coupled tothe housing 12, they may be electrically coupled to the housing 12.Power output cords (not shown) of the solar panel arrays 18 may becoupled together prior to connection to the housing, or may beindividually connected to the housing 12 in any conventional manner, forexample, by way of a plug in connection to be described below inconnection with FIG. 17.

In an alternative coupling arrangement, the coupling arms 92 of theouter receiving member 78 may be coupled to a foot member 96 (FIGS. 1and 8). In this alternative arrangement, adjustable strut assembly 20would extend generally vertically from the ground to support the solarpanel array 18. The pivotable foot connector 102 of the foot member 96allows the base portion 98 thereof to remain flush with the ground evenwhen the adjustable strut assembly 20 is not extending in a completelyvertical direction.

It is understood that the top solar panel array 18 shown in FIG. 10would be coupled in the same manner described above with respect to theside mounted solar panel array 18, except that the coupling arms 92 ofthe outer receiving member 78 would be coupled to a top mounted sidebracket 32, rather than a bottom mounted side bracket 34. It is furtherunderstood that other solar panel arrays 18 would be mounted to thehousing 12 in a similar manner. It is noted that many of the exteriorcomponents of the mobile power system 10 may be configured to beinterchangeable. For example, each of the solar panel arrays 18,adjustable strut assemblies 20, locking pins 126, and foot members 96may be identical in construction, and thus interchangeable.

FIG. 11 illustrates an end view of the mobile power system 10 with thesolar panel arrays 18 at a desired angular orientation. The angularorientation of the solar panel arrays 18 may be adjusted to a variety ofdifferent positions, but is limited by the length of the adjustablestrut assembly 20 and any obstacles, such as the ground.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the mobile power system 10 may includesupplemental solar panel arrays 128 extending from solar panel arrays18. Solar panel arrays 128 may be identical to solar panel arrays 18 andthus interchangeable with solar panel arrays 18. Supplemental solarpanel array 128 may be mechanically connected to solar panel arrays 18by way of a connection member 130 forming a pivotable coupling betweenthe supplemental solar panel array 128, the solar panel array 18, andthe adjustable strut assembly 20. The connection member 130 may be ofany conventional configuration. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12A,connection member 130 may include a series of pivoting panel connectors131, nonpivoting panel connectors 133, and strut connectors 135 allattached to a base member 137. Referring to FIG. 10, the nonpivotingpanel connectors 133 may be coupled within support member 68 and providea fixed, nonpivoting coupling therewith. A supplemental solar panelarray 128 may then be coupled to the connection member 130 by connectingthe pivoting panel connectors 131 to the support members 68 of thesupplemental solar panel 128. This connection provides for a pivotingcoupling between the connection member 130 and supplemental solar panelarray 128. A strut assembly 20 may be coupled to the connection member130 through strut connectors 135, thereby providing a pivoting couplingbetween the strut member 20 and connection member 130. It is noted thatthe supplemental solar panel arrays 128 may be electrically coupled toadjacent solar panel arrays in a serial manner extending to housing 12,or may include their own power output cords for coupling to the housing12.

The availability of coupling supplemental solar panel arrays 128 to themobile power system permits the user the option of tailoring the mobilepower system 10 to a desired power output. It is understood that thenumber of supplemental solar panel arrays 128 coupled to the housing isrestricted by the angular orientation of the arrays, but could bevirtually unlimited if the supplemental solar panel arrays 128 wereorientated in a generally horizontal plane.

The next step in assembling the mobile power system 10 is illustrated inFIG. 13, and includes coupling the vertical pole assembly 22 to thehousing 12. This is achieved by aligning the rotatable cam members 114of the pole connection assemblies 110, 112 so that cam members 114 canbe inserted into the housing passages 132 formed in an end surface 37 ofthe housing 12. The cam members 114 may be, for example, oval shaped,and the housing passages 132 may have a complementary oval shape. Oncethe cam members 114 are aligned with the housing passages 132, the poleassembly 22 is introduced to the housing 12 so that the cam members 114extend through the housing passages 132. At this point, each of the cammembers 114 are rotated and secured in position so that they can nolonger exit back through the housing passages 132. This provides for arigid coupling of the pole assembly 22 to the housing 12.

Once the pole assembly 22 is secured to the housing 12, any of a numberof components may be coupled to or within the top end portion 120 of thepole assembly 22. As noted above, such components may include a windpowered generating device 24, telecommunications equipment, speakers,lights, radar, flagpoles, video equipment, extension poles 129, and/orelectrical or cable television lines. It is understood that more thanone pole assembly 22 may be coupled to housing 12, and that the poleassemblies 22 may be coupled at various locations around the housing 12,in addition to, or other than, at the corner support pillars 28 of thehousing 12.

According to one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, and as notedabove with respect to FIG. 9, a pivot connector 121 may be coupled tothe top end portion 120 of the pole assembly 22. The pivot connector 121may include a proximal end 123, a distal end 125, and a pivot joint 127located between the proximal end 123 and distal end 125. The proximalend 123 of the pivot connector 121 may be sized to fit within the topend portion 120 of the pole assembly 22, and the distal end 125 of thepivot connector 121 may be sized to fit within the desired component tobe coupled to the pole assembly 22, for example a pole extension 129having a wind powered generating device 24 (FIG. 1), or other component,coupled thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the pivot connector 121 may be coupled to thetop end portion 120 of the pole assembly 22 and pivoted so that thedistal end 125 is angled down toward the ground. This position of thepivot connector 121 facilitates the coupling of the desired component tothe pole assembly 22 from a location on the ground. Once the desiredcomponent is properly coupled to the distal end 125 of the pivotconnector 121, the desired component is raised to a verticalorientation, and with it the distal end 125 of the pivot connector 121into vertical alignment with the proximal end 123 of the pivot connector121. It is understood that the proximal and distal ends 123, 125 of thepivot connector 121 may be locked into vertical alignment with anyappropriate means, such as, for example, a unitary outer bracket (notshown) surrounding the proximal end 123, distal end 125, and pivot joint127. Alternatively, pivot connector 121 may be welded or otherwisepermanently fixed to the desired component, inserted into the top endportion 120 of the pole assembly 22 and the raised to a verticalorientation. In this assembly method, pivot connector 121 may be coupledso as to allow the pivot joint 127 to slide into the top end portion 120as the desired component is raised to a vertical orientation. Locatingthe pivot joint 127 within the pole assembly 22 would serve to lock thepivot joint 127 in a vertical orientation.

FIG. 14 illustrates a pole coupling assembly 134 for attachingsupplemental pole assemblies 136 to the housing 12. Pole couplingassembly 134 may include a pair of coupling arms 140 having a “C” shapedflange 142 at each end. The “C” shaped flanges 142 may include fastenersfor coupling to another “C” shaped flange of another coupling arm 140,or to a “C” shaped end connector 144. The supplemental pole assemblies136 may be coupled to the housing 12 by first fastening an end connector144 and coupling arm 140 to the pole assembly 22. The supplemental poleassembly 136 is then coupled to the open end of the coupling arm 140using either another coupling arm 140, or another end connector 144. Endconnectors 144 and coupling arms 140 may be fastened together by anytype of fastener or fasteners, for example, a plurality of boltconnections, as shown in FIG. 14. More than one coupling arm 140 may beused to connect the pole assembly 22 to the supplemental pole assembly136, depending on the length of the coupling arms 140 and the forcesacting on the supplemental pole assembly 136. Supplemental poleassemblies 136 may be generally identical to the pole assembly 22, ormay be formed in another configuration. In addition, a bottom end 145 ofsupplemental pole assemblies 136 may include a foot member, for examplefoot member 96 (FIG. 8), for properly aligning the supplemental poleassemblies with the ground.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, multiple supplemental pole assemblies 136 maybe coupled in a series fashion to the pole assembly 22 to form an arrayof pole assemblies 147 extending from housing 12. Consequently, a numberof wind powered generating devices 24, telecommunications equipment,speakers, lights, radar, flagpoles, video equipment, or a combinationthereof, may be coupled to extend from the housing 12 of the mobilepower system 10. The pole coupling assembly 134 with “C” shaped flanges142 allows the supplemental pole assembly 136 to extend from the poleassembly 22, or another supplemental pole assembly 136, at any of anumber of angles α. The angle of connection a may be selected to avoidcertain terrain adjacent the mobile power system 10, or to form a morerigid linking of a plurality of supplemental pole assemblies 136. Inaddition, the pole coupling assembly 134 reduces the number of tie downsnecessary to properly secure a supplemental pole assembly 136. Thisbenefit is due to the rigid connection between the supplementary poleassemblies 136 and the housing 12 provided by the pole couplingassemblies 134.

As described above in connection with FIG. 10, the interior compartment124 of housing 12 may store the exterior and interior components of themobile power system 10 during transport of the system. Interiorcomponents of the mobile power system 10 are illustrated in FIG. 16, andmay include, for example, electronics and telecommunications equipmentdesigned to, among other things, receive, store and convert the powerreceived within the housing 12 from the solar and wind poweredgenerating devices 18, 24, or other power supplying devices. Suchequipment may include a combiner box 146 for combining the powerreceived within the housing, one or more inverters 148 for convertingvarious forms of direct current received within the housing 12 tovarious forms of alternating current, one or more batteries 150 forstoring direct current received within the housing 12, and one or morepower backup or baseload power units or equipment 151, such as a naturalgas driven generator, oil driven generator, propane driven generator,diesel fuel driven generator, fuel cells, gasoline driven generator, orbackup batteries. Alternatively, the power backup or baseload powerunits or equipment 151 may be located exterior to the housing 12 andelectrically coupled to the housing 12 in any conventional manner. Theelectronics equipment may allow for the mobile power system todistribute power in a plurality of electrical configurations such as aplurality of different voltages of alternating current and a pluralityof different voltages of direct current. As described below inconnection with FIG. 17, the mobile power system 10 may provide a powerinterface by way of an external control panel 152 allowing forconnection of a variety of load devices requiring different electricalconfigurations. For example, load devices requiring direct current, 120volt alternating current, and/or 240 volt alternating current.

Additional components housed within interior compartment 124 may includeother electronic devices 153, such as charge controllers, controlsystems, telecommunication systems, HVAC systems, lights, computersystems (including commercially available and/or custom designedsoftware), remote control telecommunications system for remotelycontrolling or monitoring the mobile power system 10, self-poweredbiohazard and other hazard detection devices to detect hazards in othercontainers with which housing 12 travels in commerce (in such a use, thehousing 12 may be configured externally to look like any other standardfreight container), and alarm systems.

FIG. 17 illustrates the exterior control panel 152 for the mobile powersystem 10. The control panel 152 may be installed in a rectangularopening 154 formed in housing 12 prior to transportation of the housing,or, alternatively, the control panel 152 may be installed after thehousing 12 has been delivered to a desired location. If the controlpanel 152 is installed after transportation of the housing 12, therectangular opening in the housing 12 may be covered by a flat cover(not shown) during transportation so as to maintain a substantiallyflush surface on housing 12. Further, a weather shield 155 of anyconventional design may be coupled to the housing 12 to protect thecontrol panel 152 once it has been attached to the housing 12. Forexample, weather shield 155 may include a rectangular frame and hingeddoor assembly, wherein the door includes a bottom vertically alignedaccess opening 157.

Control panel 152 may include, for example, an air outlet 156 forventilation of the interior compartment 124 of the housing 10, atelecommunications interface 158, one or more input connectors 160 forthe solar powered generating devices 18, one or more input connectors162 for the wind powered generating devices 24, one or more AC loadoutput connectors 164 for supplying 120 VAC, one or more AC load outputconnectors 166 for supplying 240 VAC, and one or more AC inputs 168 forreceiving 240 VAC from a gas/diesel generator or other source. Inaddition, control panel 152 may include one or more coax cableconnections 170 for receiving or sending, among other things, cabletelevision signals, one or more antennae input or output connections172, one or more circuit breaker panels 174 having appropriate circuitbreakers for the mobile power system 10, and one or more grid tieinterfaces 173.

Once the exterior components have been removed from the interiorcompartment 124, the interior compartment 124 may be used for a varietyof purposes. For example, the interior compartment 124 may be configuredfor use as a human shelter or for the storage of equipment, or both.When used as a human shelter, the interior compartment 124 may includeequipment or furnishings corresponding to, for example, a medical orlaboratory facility, emergency operations control center, officefacility, or human dwelling. Such furnishings and equipment may include,for example, lights 175 (FIG. 16), phones, power strips with varyingvoltage plugs 177 (FIG. 16) and climate controllers such as heaters andair conditioners 179 (FIG. 16). To the extent that the furnishings andequipment require a supply of power, they may receive power from thesolar and/or wind powered generating devices 18, 24, or any other powergenerating or power storing devices coupled to the housing 12. Further,the interior walls of the housing 12 may be insulated or otherwisemodified to suit the intended use of interior compartment 124. [75] Asnoted, the interior compartment 124 of the housing 12 may merely providefor a secure storage of equipment. For example, interior compartment 124could be used as a battery storage area. In such a use, the mobile powersystem 10 could be located along a remote route and used as adestination for replacing and/or recharging used batteries for futuretravel along the route. Regardless of the use, housing 12 may alsoinclude one or more interior doors (not shown) for providing rapid andsecure access to the interior compartment 124, or portions thereof.Alternatively, the existing doors 26 (FIG. 2) of the housing 12 may beused as the primary access to the interior compartment 124.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The loading, transportation and use of the mobile power system 10 willnow be described. Prior to delivery of the mobile power system 10, adetermination may be made regarding the power output desired at aparticular location, and the use of housing 12 once it has beendelivered to the desired location. Based on these determinations orspecifications, the housing 12 may be filled with stock fromstandardized parts to meet the desired power output (e.g. solar panelarrays 18, supplemental solar panel arrays 128, pole assemblies 22,supplemental pole assemblies 136, wind powered generating devices 24,brackets 14, adjustable strut assemblies 20, and foot members 96).Further, the interior compartment 124 may be configured for its desireduse.

The standardized, modular nature of the mobile power system 10 enablesthe system to be at least partially assembled before the specificrequirements of an end user are known. For example, several mobile powersystems 10 may be assembled and inventoried for specific military orhomeland security uses such as pumping water in remote locations orproviding an emergency command and control center. When a request for amobile power system 10 of a particular power output is received from auser, one or more of the mobile power systems 10 in inventory may beretrieved. Because of the modularity of the mobile power system 10,various components of the system may simply be removed or added to theinventoried mobile power system 10 to meet the particular power outputrequirements of the user. Thus, in certain instances such as anemergency need for power, a mobile power system 10 may be finallyassembled and operational within a few hours of its arrival at thedesired location.

Once the housing 12 has been filled with the appropriate exteriorcomponents and the interior compartment 124 has been configured for itsintended use, the mobile power system 10 may be shipped to a desiredlocation. The mobile power system may be delivered to locations toprovide power to, for example, clinics, disaster relief and homelandsecurity and military efforts, water pumping stations, officefacilities, storage space, stand-alone buildings, emergency facilities,environmental monitoring facilities, security applications, andtelecommunications facilities. Not only can the mobile power system 10provide power for these and other facilities, but the mobile powersystem 10 may itself actually serve as any of these facilities byincorporating and integrating appropriate equipment or space within thehousing 12 of the mobile power system 10. The mobile power system 10 maybe located in remote areas where electric power is unavailable, atdisaster or power blackout sites, or where electric power is availablebut unreliable or inadequate. Additionally, the mobile power system 10may provide high quality power and green power sales into a power grid.

As noted above, the housing 12 may be in the form of a standard ISOfreight container to facilitate shipment of the mobile power system 10.Also as noted above, to the extent that the standard freight containerrequires modification to serve as the housing 12 of the mobile powersystem 10, such modifications are not contrary to the requiredspecifications of a standard ISO freight container.

Once the mobile power system 10 is delivered to a desired location, thestation can be assembled as described above. While the weight and shapeof the housing 12 protects against unintended movement of the powerstation, the housing may be further anchored at its desired location byway of, for example, a plurality of tie-down cables.

During operation, the mobile power system 10 may receive power withinhousing 12 in a variety of electrical configurations, such as varyingvoltages of direct current and varying voltages of alternating current.The mobile power system 10 may provide a power output of about 0.5 kW toabout 50 kW, or more. Regardless of the electrical configuration of thepower received, the internal components of the mobile power system aredesigned to transform and/or store the received power in a mannerallowing for access to the power in a plurality of different electricalconfigurations. For example, mobile power system may provide access inthe form of alternating current of varying voltages, and direct currentof varying voltages.

Mobile power system 10 also allows for easy disassembly of the exteriorcomponents for further transportation of the mobile power system 10 toanother desired location. The disassembled components may be againlocated within the interior compartment 124 of the housing 12 duringtransportation of the mobile power system 10.

Further uses of the mobile power system include electrically connectinga plurality of mobile power systems together to form a network forsupplying or supplementing power to a community, to an existing powernetwork, or for providing a remote power network for the military. Insuch a use, the remote control devices 153 mentioned above may be usedto remotely monitor and control the mobile power system 10. Such remotecontrol could be provided, for example, through a wireless connection,or other appropriate communication system.

The mobile power system 10 may serve as an environmentally benign sourceof both primary and backup power. Because in some configurations thereare no emissions from the mobile power system 10, there would be noimpact to the environment as a result of operating the mobile powersystem 10 of the present disclosure. Also, the solar and/or wind poweredgenerating devices 16, 24 of the mobile power system 10 qualify as“green power” under government and other programs to provide tax andother incentives for increased supply of environmentally benign power.

Some of the benefits provided by the mobile power system 10 may behighlighted by analogy to the highly mobile, laptop personal computer.Laptop computers provide a base unit for easy and rapid coupling anddecoupling of numerous different components, such as printers, displays,speakers, etc. In order to achieve this, the laptop computer includes asystem of coupling assemblies to receive the different types ofcomponent connectors and different manufacturers' products. Accordingly,the laptop computer can be assembled into a variety of differentconfigurations depending on the user's requirements and used in variouslocations.

Similar to the laptop personal computer and according to an embodimentof the present disclosure, the mobile power system 10 provides a basehousing 12 configured to allow a number of different components bydifferent manufacturers to be easily coupled thereto. This “openarchitecture” power station allows both different power input sourcesand different types of power outputs. As noted above, these componentsmay include one or more of a solar powered generating device 16, windpowered generating device 24, natural gas driven generator, oil drivengenerator, propane driven generator, diesel fuel driven generator, fuelcells, gasoline driven generator, telecommunications equipment,speakers, lights, radar, flagpoles, video equipment, extension poles,and/or electrical or cable television lines. Thus, similar to the laptopcomputer, the mobile power system 10 may be easily transported towherever it is needed, and configured in a “plug and play” fashion toinclude a number of different components by different manufacturersdepending on the user's requirements.

In addition, the benefits associated with the capability of the mobilepower system 10 to be connected to an electric power grid are analogousto the benefits of connecting a personal computer to a computer network.Namely, the connecting of the mobile power system 10 to an electricpower grid enhances the capabilities of both the power grid and themobile power system 10 commensurate to the capabilities of the other.For example, the mobile power system can be deployed close to the enduser of electricity, thus relieving the overloading and congestionproblems currently faced by electric transmission lines. This can helpalleviate power blackouts, provide emergency power during blackouts,and, and provide a self-powered command and control center to deal withthose blackouts.

Also, because the mobile power system is contained in a standard freightcontainer and can be shipped in world commerce with millions of othercontainers each year, it has unique homeland security and militarysecurity advantages. When it is moving through the transportationsystem, such as on a ship or at a vulnerable port, it is ideally suitedto serve as a stealth biohazard or other hazard detection station,detecting hazards in the other containers around it. This is done byhaving most or all of its power supplies, communications equipment, andhazard detection devices contained within the container's housing sothat it blends in with other containers in commerce and its role as adetection container can go unnoticed and undetected.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. For example, the housing 12 of mobile powersystem 10 may include a cargo compartment of a shipping truck. Thehousing 12 may be configured as either a component that permanentlyattaches to a truck or trailer, or as a component that is removable fromthe truck or trailer. Additionally, the mobile power system 10 may beintegrated with a smaller container that can be attached to a flat-bedtruck or placed into the cargo space of a pickup truck. In addition, themobile power system 10 may be integrated directly with a van or similarpanel-type vehicle, a barge or other type of water vehicle, orintegrated with a rail car or other type of locomotive vehicle. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1.-141. (canceled)
 142. A closeable housing comprising: a solar powergenerating device storable inside the closeable housing and configuredto be removed from within the closeable housing; a plurality of couplingcomponents storable inside the closeable housing and capable of couplingthe solar power generating device to an exterior surface of thecloseable housing; a power unit integrated within the closeable housing,the power unit being capable of receiving power from the solar powergenerating device; and a control panel located on the exterior surfaceof the closeable housing and connected to the power unit, the controlpanel including a connector configured to transmit power to a loaddevice connected to the control panel; wherein the closeable housing isconfigured to be transported to a desired location when the solar powergenerating device and the plurality of coupling components are storedinside the closeable housing.
 143. The closeable housing of claim 142,wherein the power unit includes at least one of a battery and a fuelcell.
 144. The closeable housing of claim 142, further including a windpower generating device storable inside the closeable housing andconfigured to be removed from within the closeable housing, theplurality of coupling components being capable of coupling the windpower generating device to the exterior surface of the closeablehousing, the power unit being capable of receiving power from the windpower generating device, wherein the closeable housing is configured tobe transported to the desired location when the wind power generatingdevice is stored inside the closeable housing.
 145. The closeablehousing of claim 144, wherein the control panel includes connectorsconfigured to connect to the solar and wind power generating devices.146. The closeable housing of claim 142, wherein the solar powergenerating device includes at least one solar array stored in thecloseable housing in a folded configuration.
 147. The closeable housingof claim 142, wherein the control panel includes a connector configuredto connect to an external power unit, the external power unit capable oftransmitting power to the control panel.
 148. The closeable housing ofclaim 142, wherein the control panel includes a telecommunicationsinterface for communicating signals.
 149. The closeable housing of claim142, wherein the plurality of coupling components includes at least onecoupling component configured to electrically couple the solar powergenerating device to the control panel.
 150. A closeable housingcomprising: a solar power generating device storable inside thecloseable housing; a wind power generating device storable inside thecloseable housing, the solar and wind power generating devices beingconfigured to be removed from within the closeable housing; a pluralityof coupling components storable inside the closeable housing and capableof coupling the solar and wind power generating devices to an exteriorsurface of the closeable housing; and a power unit integrated within thecloseable housing and including at least one power storage device, thepower unit being capable of receiving power from the solar and windpower generating devices; wherein the closeable housing is configured tobe transported to a desired location when the solar power generatingdevices and the plurality of coupling components are stored inside thecloseable housing; and the closeable housing is capable of being stackedon top of a similar closeable housing.
 151. The closeable housing ofclaim 150, wherein the closeable housing is a first closeable housingconfigured to be connected to a second closeable housing.
 152. Thecloseable housing of claim 150, wherein the closeable housing isconnected electrically to a power grid.
 153. The closeable housing ofclaim 150, wherein the closeable housing is connected to at least onewheel provided externally to the closeable housing.
 154. The closeablehousing of claim 150, further including a back-up power unit integratedwithin the closeable housing, the back-up power unit including at leastone fuel cell.
 155. The closeable housing of claim 150, furtherincluding a back-up power unit integrated within the closeable housing,the backup power unit including at least one of a natural gas drivengenerator, an oil driven generator, a propane driven generator, a dieselfuel driven generator, and a gasoline driven generator.
 156. Thecloseable housing of claim 150, further including a control panellocated on the exterior surface of the closeable housing, the controlpanel including a connector configured to transmit power to a loaddevice.
 157. The closeable housing of claim 150, further including acontrol panel located on the exterior surface of the closeable housing,the control panel including a connector configured to receive power froman external power unit and the solar and wind power generating devices.158. The closeable housing of claim 150, wherein the plurality ofcoupling components includes at least one coupling component configuredto electrically couple at least one of the solar and wind powergenerating devices to the exterior surface of the closeable housing.159. A method of producing and delivering power at a desired location,comprising: coupling a solar power generating device to an exteriorsurface of a transportable housing using a plurality of couplingcomponents; storing a power unit in the transportable housing, the powerunit including at least one power storage device; receiving power fromthe solar power generating device; transmitting power to the power unit;transmitting data via a communications system to a remote location;detaching the solar power generating device from the transportablehousing; storing the solar power generating device and the plurality ofcoupling components within the transportable housing, the storingincluding storing components necessary to couple the solar powergenerating device to the exterior surface of the transportable housing;and transporting the transportable housing to a desired location. 160.The method of claim 159, further including connecting the transportablehousing to a second transportable housing.
 161. The method of claim 159,further including electrically connecting the transportable housing to apower grid.
 162. The method of claim 159, wherein at least one wheel isprovided externally to the transportable housing.
 163. The method ofclaim 159, further including remotely monitoring or controlling at leastone device in the transportable housing.
 164. The method of claim 159,wherein the data is transmitted for remotely monitoring or controllingthe transportable housing.
 165. The method of claim 159, wherein thedata is transmitted wirelessly.
 166. The method of claim 159, furtherincluding providing access to the received power via a control panellocated on an external surface of the transportable housing.
 167. Themethod of claim 166, further including providing power to a load deviceconnected to the control panel.
 168. The method of claim 166, furtherincluding receiving power from an external power unit connected to thecontrol panel.
 169. The method of claim 159, further including detectinga characteristic of an environment.
 170. The method of claim 159,wherein the plurality of coupling components includes at least onecoupling component configured to electrically couple the solar powergenerating device to the exterior surface of the transportable housing.171. A closeable housing comprising: a solar power generating devicestorable inside the closeable housing, the solar power generating devicebeing configured to be removed from within the closeable housing; atelecommunications system for communicating signals; a plurality ofcoupling components storable inside the closeable housing and capable ofcoupling the solar power generating device to an exterior surface of thecloseable housing; a power unit integrated within the closeable housing,the power unit including at least one power storage device, the powerunit being capable of receiving power from the solar power generatingdevice; a back-up power unit integrated within the closeable housing,the back-up power unit including at least one power generating device;and a control panel located on the exterior surface of the closeablehousing and connected to the power unit, the control panel including aconnector configured to transmit power to a load device connected to thecontrol panel; wherein the closeable housing is configured to betransported to a desired location when the solar power generating deviceand the plurality of coupling components are stored inside the closeablehousing.
 172. The closeable housing of claim 171, wherein: the at leastone power storage device includes at least one of a battery and a fuelcell; and the at least one power generating device includes at least oneof a fuel cell and a generator.
 173. The closeable housing of claim 171,wherein the closeable housing is a first closeable housing configured tobe connected to a second closeable housing.
 174. The closeable housingof claim 171, wherein the closeable housing is connected electrically toa power grid.
 175. The closeable housing of claim 171, wherein thecloseable housing is connected to an external power source.
 176. Thecloseable housing of claim 171, wherein the closeable housing isconnected to at least one wheel provided externally to the closeablehousing.
 177. The closeable housing of claim 171, wherein the signalsare communicated for remotely controlling or remotely monitoring atleast one device in the closeable housing.
 178. The closeable housing ofclaim 171, wherein the plurality of coupling components includes atleast one coupling component configured to electrically couple the solarpower generating device to the exterior surface of the closeablehousing.
 179. A mobile power station comprising: a trailer; a solarpower generating device storable on the trailer; a wind power generatingdevice storable on the trailer; a plurality of coupling componentsstorable on the trailer and capable of coupling the solar and wind powergenerating devices to the trailer; and a power unit storable on thetrailer and including at least one power storage device, the power unitbeing capable of receiving power from the solar and wind powergenerating devices; wherein the trailer is configured to be transportedto a desired location when the solar and wind power generating devicesand the plurality of coupling components are stored on the trailer. 180.The mobile power station of claim 179, wherein the plurality of couplingcomponents includes at least one coupling component configured toelectrically couple at least one of the solar and wind power generatingdevices to the trailer.
 181. The mobile power station of claim 179,further including a housing storable on the trailer and removable fromthe trailer, the wind and solar power generating devices being storablein the housing.
 182. The mobile power station of claim 179, furtherincluding a housing permanently attached to the trailer, the wind andsolar power generating devices being storable in the housing.
 183. Thecloseable housing of claim 179, further including a control panellocated on the trailer, the control panel including a first connectorconfigured to transmit power to a load device and a second connectorconfigured to receive power from an external power unit and the solarand wind power generating devices.